Almost 1,000 complaints against Notts Police in 2013-2014

Almost 1,000 complaints were recorded against Notts police in 2013-2014, according to figures from the Independent Police Complaints Commision.

A total of 960 complaints were made - an increase of 67 per cent from the previous year - when 576 were recorded.

The percentage rise was the third biggest out of all forces, with only Northumbria Police and City of London Police recording bigger rises.

Across England and Wales, there were 34,863 cases involving complaints - a 15 per cent increase on 2012-2013 - the highest since the IPCC was established in 2004.

The new document states: “These complaints are made by members of the public about the conduct of those serving with the police or about the direction and control of the police and are dealt with under the Police Reform Act 2002.”

There were 1.592 allegations made against Notts Police in 2013-2014, compared to 1.033 the year before, a rise of 54 per cent.

More than one allegation can be included in a complaint case and the police watchdog said some of the increase was due to the broadening of the definition of a complaint.

Police forces are expected to record complaints within 10 working days and Notts Police recorded 97 per cent of complains within that time period. This is compared to 94 per cent the previous year and 88 per cent in 2011-2012.

The highest number of complaints against forces across England and Wales were regarding neglect or failure in duty, followed by complaints about police being rude or intolerant.

Head of Professional Standards for Nottinghamshire Police, Detective Superintendent Jackie Alexander, said: “The IPCC report reflects the recent changes to the way many lower-level complaints are now required to be recorded by police forces up and down the country.”

“The increase in the number of complaints demonstrates the proactive work we have been doing to make the complaints process more accessible and we actively encourage people to let us know when they think we’ve got something wrong, as part of our commitment to being the best we can be for local people.”

“We are confident in the way we record and investigate complaints and have already been successful in improving the timeliness of our investigations, which we will continue to do while maintaining our focus on the transparency and quality of our investigations.”